US-Iran Hormuz Standoff: Iran rejected Trump’s claim he’ll soon declare the Strait of Hormuz “US territory,” insisting the waterway “will remain Iranian” and only Tehran can open or close it, as a US-Iran memorandum of understanding nears expiration and a fragile ceasefire faces Aug. 17 pressure. Gaza Mediation: Hamas’s Khalil al-Hayya met Egypt’s intelligence chief in Cairo to push Sharm el-Sheikh ceasefire implementation and discuss Trump’s Gaza plan ahead of Jared Kushner’s expected regional push, while Israel’s Gaza stance remains a sticking point. Regional Security Architecture: Turkey’s Erdoğan said Egypt could join the new Mecca Joint Defence Agreement linking Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, amid Saudi concerns and wider debate over whether it becomes a NATO-style bloc. Lebanon Escalation: Israel’s strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least 11, including children, with Hezbollah vowing a response as ceasefire understandings strain. Iran Hardline Messaging: Iran’s army chief announced a $30,000 bounty for killing or capturing US soldiers, while Tehran continues to frame the conflict as “resistance” until “complete defeat.” Jordan Domestic Politics: Jordanian commentary focused on a Cabinet reshuffle and how advance disclosure may be aimed at cooling reshuffle appetite ahead of budget planning. Economy & Energy Spillover: Central banks weigh inflation risks as Middle East war keeps oil prices elevated, while India moves to secure cooking gas supplies after Hormuz disruption.